Heracles was to slay the Nemean Lion, a lion who destroyed the towns, killing and eating people. All of Heracles's weapons were destroyed as he fought the lion. Nothing would penetrate its thick skin. Finally, the lion and man wrestled eachother. The lion was choked to death. Heracles then took the lion's skin and went off to fight Hydra, the water monster. The lion, Leo, found a place of honor in the heavens to remember the great combat with Heracles.